Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como is one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. Known for its sparkling waters, pastel-hued villages, and dramatic mountain backdrops, it draws travelers who crave beauty, romance, and a taste of Italian elegance. Exploring the best villages on Lake Como by boat is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the lake’s timeless charm and the villages all along the lake. Whether you’re strolling cobbled lanes, relaxing at historic villas, or dining with a view of the shimmering lake, each village offers its own personality and unforgettable experience. Here are the five most beautiful villages on Lake Como that you’ll want to discover.
Note: I visited Lake Como as part of my Italy Solo-ish Tour with G Adventures.
5 Como
As the lake’s namesake and largest town, Como is often the gateway to exploring Lake Como. Its lively piazzas, historical architecture, and bustling atmosphere make it the perfect starting point for your journey. Surrounded by medieval walls, Como boasts a charming old town where cobblestone streets wind past boutiques, cafés, and gelaterias. The Gothic-Renaissance Como Cathedral, with its ornate façade and rose windows, is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history.
One of Como’s highlights is the funicular to Brunate, a small hilltop village with panoramic views stretching across the lake and surrounding Alps. You’ll also find beautiful waterfront promenades, where you can sip coffee while watching boats glide across the sparkling water. Como is also home to museums, such as the Tempio Voltiano, dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, who was born here.
As the hub of transportation, Como connects you easily to ferries that visit other villages, making it both practical and enchanting. With its balance of history, culture, and easy access, Como is the perfect first stop to fall under Lake Como’s spell.
4 Tremezzo
If Como is bustling, Tremezzo is serene and stately, best known for its refined villas and lush gardens. The crown jewel here is Villa Carlotta, a magnificent 18th-century villa surrounded by terraced gardens bursting with rhododendrons, camellias, and centuries-old trees. Inside, the villa houses an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings, making it a haven for art lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.
Tremezzo’s lakeside promenade is lined with elegant cafés and hotels, perfect for sipping an Aperol spritz while soaking in views of the sparkling waters and the Alps beyond. The town is also a fantastic base for exploring the western shore of Lake Como, with ferry access to neighboring gems like Bellagio and Menaggio.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the area around Tremezzo offers scenic walking paths, including routes through olive groves and hills that reveal breathtaking vistas of the lake. Tremezzo combines aristocratic elegance with natural beauty, making it one of Lake Como’s most picturesque and peaceful retreats.
3 Menaggio
Perched gracefully on the lake’s western shore, Menaggio is a charming village that perfectly blends natural beauty and old-world charm. Its medieval origins are still visible in the narrow alleyways and historic stone buildings that wind through the old town. Menaggio’s central piazza opens to a sweeping view of the lake, making it one of the most inviting spots to linger with a cappuccino or gelato in hand.
The waterfront promenade is a favorite for leisurely walks, lined with blooming flowers in spring and summer. Active travelers will appreciate Menaggio’s proximity to hiking and cycling routes in the surrounding hills, as well as access to golf at the nearby Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, one of Italy’s oldest courses.
Another highlight of Menaggio is its easy ferry connections, making it a hub for exploring Bellagio and Varenna just across the water. Whether you want to hike mountain trails, lounge lakeside, or explore historic lanes, Menaggio offers a versatile and laid-back atmosphere that appeals to both adventurers and those seeking tranquility. With its combination of beauty, convenience, and activities, Menaggio is a perfect stop on your Lake Como itinerary.
2 Bellagio
Often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is perhaps the most famous village on the lake, and for good reason. Situated at the point where the lake splits into two branches, Bellagio offers breathtaking views in every direction. Its historic center is a maze of narrow, stone-paved staircases that climb past artisan shops, boutiques, and cozy trattorias.
One of the highlights of Bellagio is Villa Melzi, whose exquisite botanical gardens feature exotic plants, statues, and walking paths along the lakeshore. The village also has a bustling waterfront, where ferries constantly arrive and depart, filling the atmosphere with a lively buzz.
Bellagio is the perfect blend of elegance and charm—ideal for visitors who want both culture and luxury. Enjoy a fine dining experience overlooking the water, or relax with a glass of local wine in a shaded piazza. For the more adventurous, kayaking, sailing, or boat rentals are readily available, giving you the chance to explore the lake’s beauty from the water itself.
With its postcard-perfect scenery and sophisticated atmosphere, Bellagio captures the essence of Lake Como, making it an unmissable highlight for every traveler.
1 Varenna
Topping the list is Varenna, a village that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Nestled along the eastern shore, Varenna is quieter than Bellagio but equally stunning, exuding authenticity and charm. Its colorful houses spill down the hillside toward the water, where the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lover’s Walk) offers a romantic lakeside stroll with breathtaking views.
The heart of the village is its piazza, anchored by the Church of San Giorgio with its medieval frescoes. Meandering through Varenna’s steep, narrow streets feels like discovering hidden treasures at every corner. Just above the village sits the Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle overlooking the lake, complete with falconry shows and sweeping vistas that seem straight out of a painting.
Nature lovers will adore the nearby Villa Monastero, once a convent and now home to lush gardens stretching for nearly a mile along the lake. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can immerse yourself in both history and natural beauty.
With its perfect blend of history, intimacy, and romantic allure, Varenna offers the quintessential Lake Como experience. It’s a place where time slows down, and every view feels like a masterpiece.
What to Eat at Lake Como
Lake Como’s cuisine celebrates both the lake and the mountains. Try risotto with perch, freshly caught from the waters, or hearty dishes like pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta with cheese and greens. Don’t miss tasting polenta, paired with local wines, and finish with michetta pastries or artisanal gelato.
Conclusion
Lake Como is a dream destination where each village tells its own story of history, beauty, and culture. From vibrant Como to romantic Varenna, exploring the best villages on Lake Como is a journey you’ll never forget. Which of these enchanting towns would you most love to visit first?
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials,” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “DestinationTakeover,” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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